How to protect yourself from pickpockets
- Wear money, credit cards and papers in closed inside pockets of your clothes and close to your body if possible.
- Carry handbags and shoulder bags closed on the front of your body (with the closed side facing your body) or tuck them under your arm.
- Do not place purses in the top of the shopping bag, shopping basket, shopping cart or transport basket on the rollator, but carry them as close to your body as possible.
- Never leave handbags unattended in a restaurant or store - not even when trying them on, not even "just for a moment"
- Always take only as much cash and only the payment cards you need with you.
- Be careful, especially in crowds. Pickpockets can be recognized by the typical searching look: They avoid direct eye contact with the victim and tend to look for the loot.
The tricks of pickpockets
Pickpockets usually work in teams of several offenders. They use tricks or strike after a self-inflicted scramble. The pickpockets' repertoire is extensive and there are always new variations.
The jostling trick
The perpetrators jostle their victims in a crowd or "heckle" them with accomplices. While the victim is distracted, they or their accomplices reach into their pockets.
The tailgating trick
On crowded buses or trains, a thief moves uncomfortably close to the victim, who turns his back to him and offers the bag "ready to hand".
The jam generator trick
They block the escalator and let the victim and others run aground. While everyone looks ahead, the stevedores bend down and their accomplices reach into the victim's pocket from behind.
The supermarket trick
In the supermarket, strangers ask the victim for a specific product. While they are looking for it, the bag on the shopping cart is emptied.
The window knocker trick
The window-knockers knock on the windows of trains or buses from the outside. Accomplices in the carriage steal the distracted victim's valuables.
The soiling trick
They "accidentally" stain their victims. During the verbose cleaning attempt, the victim's money disappears from the clothing pocket.
The pocket carrier trick
"Bag carriers" spy on older women while they are out shopping and offer to carry their shopping home, seemingly ready to help. There they hurry up the stairs with the bag, while the elderly person can't follow as quickly. On the way, they take out the purse, place the bag in front of the door and greet the victim. The loss is only noticed later.
The money exchange trick
A perpetrator asks the victim to change a coin. When the victim pulls out their wallet and opens the coin compartment, they are distracted by the perpetrator. For example, while the offender puts his coin into the purse, he takes out banknotes.
The begging trick
Children hold a piece of paper in front of the victim in the pub asking for a donation. Or they run around the victim in the street and beg. One of them uses the distraction to quickly grab the purse or handbag.
The flower trick
They greet the victim in a friendly manner, hug them or give them a flower. While the victim is baffled, the wallet disappears.
The city map trick
Someone asks for directions and holds a city map in front of their potential victim. While the victim tries to help and takes the map in both hands, the thieves steal their wallet or cell phone. Another variant: You are sitting in a café and have placed your smartphone on the table, someone places a map over it and asks for directions. The perpetrator grabs the smartphone from under the map.
What to do if it has happened anyway
If you have lost your payment card, have it blocked immediately. Blocking emergency call (0049) 116 116
Please note that you can only have your card(s) blocked via the emergency number if your bank has joined the emergency number. Otherwise, please contact your bank directly.
So that your debit card (e.g. girocard, formerly ec card) can also be blocked for the electronic direct debit procedure (SEPA direct debit), for which only a signature and no PIN is required, you must report the loss to the police. Only there can a so-called voluntary KUNO blocking be arranged with the retailer. Only then will the card be rejected for payments in stores, including direct debits. The police need the card details to block the KUNO card.